Pushing back Royal Mail office opening times could mean ‘deliveries in the dark’

Plans to push back the opening times of Royal Mail delivery offices all over Ayrshire are being considered.

Hubs in Ayr, Cumnock, Dalry, Irvine, Kilmarnock, Kilwinning, Prestwick and Troon are among those across the UK being assessed for the changes.

Some offices could see their opening times pushed back by more than two hours.

Concerns have been raised that the knock-on effect will result in customers’ packages being delivered later in the afternoon and, in some cases, at night.

Customers looking to pick up parcels in person would have to come in later, too.

South Scotland Conservative MSP Brian Whittle said: “I would want cast iron assurances from Royal Mail that these changes won’t see customers waiting longer for deliveries or staff being put under greater pressure.

“The changes could also have significant knock-on effects for businesses and other customers who take advantage of early opening hours at delivery offices to deal with their mail before the working day begins.

“Royal Mail now need to engage thoroughly with their customers and the public before a final decision on these proposals.”

Scottish Labour MSP for West Scotland, Katy Clark, said: “This proposed shake-up will mean that some people will be waiting until late in the afternoon to get their post.

“For areas like North Ayrshire, which has many rural communities and businesses, these changes will have a really worrying and disproportionate impact.

“This shake-up will also dramatically change the working patterns of postal staff, who would be expected to work up to five hours in the height of summer heat, or the darkness of winter.

“It also comes at a time when workers are being asked to accept a serious real terms pay cut during a cost-of-living crisis.

“These changes show why we need a publicly owned postal service, more accountable to citizens. I will be writing to the Royal Mail to demand they’re not taken forward.”

The political reaction to the proposals continued with Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley SNP MSP Elena Whitham adding: “Any proposals from Royal Mail should be fully consulted with the unions and workforce in a meaningful way and terms and pay should reflect the current economic climate, taking into account inflation and other cost-of-living pressures.”

A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “We are in discussion with the Communication Workers Union about moving start times later to meet the growing customer demand for more next day parcel deliveries, and to reduce our environmental impact by moving more mail by rail over time.

“We have made it clear that these proposals are all subject to further discussion and detailed design. No plans have been finalised.

“More parcel companies are now delivering later into the evening to meet changing customer needs. We are redesigning our network to deal with growing numbers of parcels, including investing in two new Super Hubs.

“As part of our ongoing planning, we are exploring a number of changes that would mean that we would still deliver letters by 5pm, as opposed to by 4pm currently.”

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